Architect (degree)

Overview of the role

Working on the design of new buildings and the redesign of existing buildings

Reference Number: ST0533

Details of standard

Occupation Profile

Architects are registered professionals, trained to requirements defined by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Only those who are appropriately qualified and registered with ARB can use the title ‘Architect’ in the UK. The ARB sets the UK standards for entry on to the Register of Architects and prescribes qualifications that lead to registration as an architect. These standards must be met in order to register as an architect. Architects lead on the processes of planning, designing and reviewing the construction of buildings; and are usually the first point of contact on a design team, working with the client and contractor to make final decisions during the design and construction process. Architects use their skills and knowledge to offer creative problem solving and strategic advice related to various types of building, arts and construction projects. This includes developing building designs taking into account multiple constraints, such as structural integrity, the character and location of a site, methods of construction, value for money, design quality and impact on the environment, as well as legal responsibilities. Architects work responsibly to deliver the interests of their clients and the core requirements of cost, time and quality.

Architects work on projects of varying scale and type across the construction industry, including but not limited to the design of commercial, residential, community, education and infrastructure buildings and structures. Architects work on the design of new buildings and the redesign of existing buildings. They work closely with design and construction related professionals and often lead a design team or teams assembled to design and/or deliver the project.

Architects can work as sole practitioners, in small practices or within large multi-disciplinary organisations. Within larger organisations they may report to a Senior Architect or project leader and can be based at office locations within project design teams, at on-site locations or a combination of both. Because their skills are easily transferable they are able to work for other construction and design related businesses (e.g. property consultants or interior designers).

Design: Generating design proposals in a variety of contexts and applying knowledge of architectural issues to satisfy aesthetic, technical and functional requirements. This involves an in-depth understanding of design theory to create and find innovative solutions.

Project delivery: Leading projects or parts of projects, identifying risks and delivering services in a manner which prioritises the interest of the client and within the framework of relevant legal standards. This includes the production of submissions and coordination of design tasks and teams.

Construction and building procurement: Inspecting building construction on site and commenting on contractors and sub-contractors’ work against architectural drawings, and offering impartial advice on construction related procurement methods and contractor selection processes.

Leadership and practice management: Business administration, including developing or contributing to the strategic vision of a practice. Overseeing the work of junior staff including Architectural Assistants.

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours

The following knowledge, skills and behaviours relate to the ARB and RIBA shared Criteria for the Prescription of Qualifications at Part 2 and Part 3.

Knowledge

An Architect has an understanding of…

Skills

An Architect is able to…

1. Design

A range of advanced processes and techniques (e.g. digital fabrication) to generate, review and speculate on design proposals with multiple constraints, showing evidence of original thinking

Generate architectural design proposals

Evaluate and apply a comprehensive range of visual, oral and written media to test, analyse, critique and explain design proposals

Interact with statutory authorities (e.g. planning or building control), private bodies (e.g. developers) or individuals to competently deliver projects in a wide variety of sectors and within diverse legislative frameworks

12. Professionalism

The nature of professionalism and the responsibilities of Architects to clients, building users, constructors, professionals and the wider society

Act professionally when working independently and as part of a team, including communicating clearly with all stakeholders

13. Clients, Users and Delivery of Services

The obligations of Architects to clients, stakeholders, warranties and third-parties

Undertake construction inspection responsibilities, including completing site visits and commenting on contractors and sub-contractors work in relation to architectural drawings

Behaviours

An Architect will be expected to…

1. Code of Conduct

Comply with the relevant professional codes of conduct (e.g. ARB and RIBA)

2. Integrity

Be honest and act with integrity, ethics and in a professional manner

3. Competence

Work singly, as part of a team or lead teams to provide a competent service

4. Independence

Be organised and practice self-management when working independently

5. Obligation

Be conscious of the Architect’s obligation to their client, society and the profession

6. Reputation

Be aware of individual level of competency and professional experience to ensure they are unlikely to bring profession into disrepute

7. CPD

Commit to identifying their own individual development needs and the obligation for Continued Professional Development (CPD)

Entry Requirements

Any entry requirements will be set by individual employers in conjunction with the relevant university, but these must include a requirement for the minimum of a ARB-prescribed Part 1 qualification or Part 1 equivalent as prescribed by the ARB.

Duration

The duration of this apprenticeship is typically 48 months. Timescales may vary depending on prior relevant qualifications/experience and assessment of prior learning and knowledge (APL) opportunities.

Qualifications

Successful apprentices will gain the following qualifications:

A post graduate level qualification in architecture (Part 2) that must be prescribed by the ARB

A post graduate level qualification in architecture (Part 3) that must be prescribed by the ARB

Apprentices without English and Maths at Level 2 on entry will need to achieve that level before taking their end-point assessment.

For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeships English and Maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualification are an alternative to English qualifications for whom this is their primary language.

Statutory and Professional Recognition

In order to become an architect in the UK, individuals must hold ARB-prescribed qualifications at Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 levels and register with the ARB. Only ARB-prescribed qualifications meet the standards that lead to registration as an architect in the UK. The Part 2 and Part 3 level qualifications which are mandated on the apprenticeship must be separately prescribed by the ARB.

Completing this apprenticeship will also give access to Chartered Membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects, following successful registration with the ARB.

This EQA provider is currently going through the approval process with the Institute for Apprenticeships so is unable to help with any queries relating to this standard at the present time. If you need support in relation to any of the content on this page please contact the Institute for Apprenticeships.